EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – On the stage of the Monday Night Football game, the Texans rediscovered their running game.

Arian Foster grinded until he broke a long run. Once he did that, there was little the Jets could do to stop him.

“He makes us go and he stepped up and rose to the challenge,” Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. “He’s been close all year long. He hadn’t had any big plays, but he found some big plays tonight and I think that was the big thing. We found some plays in the running game and everything we do starts with him. Whether we can throw it, play action, those types of things. Everything starts with him, so he was exceptional.”

Foster finished the game with 152 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also caught one pass for 16 yards. His was the Texans’ second (and last) touchdown Monday night in a game in which Jets maligned quarterback Mark Sanchez threw for more yards than Texans’ quarterback Matt Schaub. With Foster’s big day, Houston survived a game many thought would be a blowout.

The Texans beat the Jets 23-17.

“That’s a good back,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “Very talented back.”

It started late in the first quarter for Foster. He had only two carries before that, with backup running back Justin Forsett getting some early carries. Forsett is normally the Texans’ third-string running back, but he moved up the depth chart when backup Ben Tate was out with a toe injury.

When Foster broke his big run, the Texans were in need of a momentum shift. The Jets had just tied the game at seven and on the ensuing kickoff return, a penalty backed the Texans up to their own 4.

On their first play, Foster gained 46 yards on one carry to begin the drive.

By the end of the first quarter, Foster had 51 yards. His more methodical second-quarter touchdown drive was perhaps even more impressive.

He had runs of eight yards, 21 yards and 13 yards (that one for a touchdown) on the Texans’ first second-quarter possession. The touchdown marked the seventh consecutive game in which Foster scored a touchdown.

Foster gained 100 yards by halftime, making it the best first half of his career. That also meant Foster had surpassed 100 yards rushing in each of the Texans’ road games this season and in the past four road games dating back to last season.

The Texans never quite had the game in hand, but as the staved off the Jets late, they turned to Foster once again to make his way down the field and chew up the clock. While he was at it, Foster reached another milestone.

With an eight-yard run midway through the fourth quarter, Foster became the third fastest player in NFL history to eclipse 5,000 yards from scrimmage.

The game was easily Foster’s best rushing performance. His previous came against Jacksonville, when he gained 110 yards on 28 carries. It was also his 19th career 100-yard game.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Houston Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter of a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Texans won the game 23-17. less

Houston Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) sacks New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter of a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans defensive backs Troy Nolan (33) and Kareem Jackson (25) celebrate Jackson's interception of a pass by New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez late in the game.

Texans defensive backs Troy Nolan (33) and Kareem Jackson (25) celebrate Jackson's interception of a pass by New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez late in the game.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) scores on a 34-yard pass play past New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the first quarter.

Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) scores on a 34-yard pass play past New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) during the first quarter.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) is tripped up by New York Jets strong safety Yeremiah Bell (37) during the second half.

Texans tight end Owen Daniels (81) is tripped up by New York Jets strong safety Yeremiah Bell (37) during the second half.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans whoop it up in the parking lot while tailgating before the Texans game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Texans fans whoop it up in the parking lot while tailgating before the Texans game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a pass during the second quarter. McCain returned the interception 86 yards to set up a field goal at the end of the half.

Texans defensive back Brice McCain (21) intercepts a pass during the second quarter. McCain returned the interception 86 yards to set up a field goal at the end of the half.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) gets off a pass as he is pressured by New York Jets tight end Konrad Reuland (87) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) gets off a pass as he is pressured by New York Jets tight end Konrad Reuland (87) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the second quarter.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Texans linebacker Brian Cushing heads to the locker room after being injured during the second quarter.

Texans linebacker Brian Cushing heads to the locker room after being injured during the second quarter.